Terms for Green Architecture, Building & Energy

Thermal Comfort

Definition: that condition of mind that expresses satisfaction with the thermal environment. Thermal comfort is influenced by both subjective and objective factors. Heat transfer between the human body and the environment, and hence acceptance of the thermal environment is influenced by a combination of environmental factors (air temperature, radiant temperature, air velocity, humidity) and personal factors (clothing and activity level). There is also evidence that people who know they have control over their local thermal environment are more tolerant of temperature variations, making it easier to satisfy their comfort preferences.